Manchester United are closing in on the signing of Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane.
The Frenchman has 12 months to run on his deal at the Bernabeu but he’s intimated that he will not sign an extension as he’s keen on seeking a new challenge.
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United have long admired Varane, with executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward privately admitting in 2018 that United would be prepared to break their transfer record to sign the defender.
Madrid have reluctantly decided to sell Varane as they fear he will leave for free in 2022 and the La Liga giants had been hoping to raise as much as £70m for the defender.
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However, given his contract situation, ESPN say a deal is close to being finalised for around £45m and talks have progressed well since France’s exit from the European Championships.
United had identified Villarreal’s Pau Torres as a viable alternative but Madrid are now willing to accept a realistic fee for Varane and the Red Devils will press ahead with a move for the World Cup winner.
It follows United’s agreement to sign Jadon Sancho from Dortmund, with the winger expected to join in the coming days after a £72.5m fee was agreed.
United baulked at Dortmund’s £108m asking price last summer but Dortmund have since lowered their asking price and Sancho is desperate to move to Old Trafford.
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